song of six pence

the universe has
   arranged for
you to be
   king.

be thankful.

you have been
   gifted with
agelessness.

be thankful.

& shall for
   ever reign as      
though you were
   three years
old.

you throw a
   fit.

what do you
   command with this
behavior?

   obedience?
   horror?
   pity?

power & youth are
   a blessing un
less you have been
   cursed by
them.

when a man beats
   his wife,
what’s happening
   inside?

if a rich
   man humiliates a
poor man,
   how much of this
does money
   buy?

when the mightiest
   emperor makes a
mistake,
   who wouldn’t dare
to call him
   great?